HIV Vaccines
Historically, vaccines have been our best weapon against the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, including smallpox, polio, measles, and yellow fever. Unfortunately, we do not have a vaccine for HIV. HIV has unique ways of evading the immune system and the human body seems incapable of mounting an effective immune response against virus. As a result, scientists do not have a clear picture of what is needed to provide protection against the virus.
Finding a safe, effective and durable HIV vaccine remains a top priority for NIAID. Through the Vaccine Research Center and the Division of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, NIAID conducts and supports biomedical research that leads to increased knowledge about how HIV interacts with the human immune system and evaluation of the most promising vaccine candidates. Although a vaccine to prevent HIV infection remains the ultimate goal, NIAID is also examining vaccines that could significantly alter the course of disease and infectiousness of people infected with HIV, which could provide positive health benefits both for infected individuals and the larger community.
Highlights & Announcements
Bulletin: HIV Vaccine Awareness Day—May 18, 2013
Bulletin: Regulatory Officials Informed of HVTN 503 HIV Vaccine Trial Findings—May 14, 2013
Media Availability: NIH Scientists Create New Tool for Identifying Powerful HIV Antibodies—May 9, 2013
Statement: NIH Discontinues Immunizations in HIV Vaccine Study— Apr. 25, 2013
Media Availability: NIH Scientists, Grantees Map Possible Path to an HIV Vaccine— Apr. 3, 2013
Pre-clinical Research
Clinical Research
External Input
For Researchers